Common Structural Rules Software Updated with 2018 Rules and Fatigue Assessment Improvements

(Houston) Common Structural Rules Software LLC, a joint venture company formed by ABS and Lloyd’s Register (LR), released a software upgrade that simplifies compliance with current and pending IACS Common Structural Rules (CSR).

“As requirements change, it is imperative for classification societies to provide services and solutions that keep pace,” says ABS Senior Vice President, Engineering & Technology, Derek Novak. “By updating this software, we ensure our tools are effective and provide the best possible guidance to end users.”

“The Common Structural Rules provide the only industry route to compliance with IMO’s Goal-Based Standards for tanker and bulk carrier structures,” said LR Marine and Offshore Business Director Nick Brown. “By working together, LR and ABS have provided fully up-to-date straightforward and accessible tools for the whole industry to use when applying CSR.”

Improvements to this leading software facilitate compliance to existing and future IACS Common Structural Rules, providing users with an easy way to evaluate designs. Developed from the technical strengths of LR and ABS, version 2.5 of the CSR Prescriptive Analysis and CSR Finite Element (FE) Analysis software allow assessment of whole vessel structures – including new bulk carrier and oil tanker designs – using compliance information for the current CSR, which entered into force on 1 July 2015, as well as for the rule changes that come into force on 1 July 2018. Both class societies will use these tools to evaluate new designs against the CSR.

The updated CSR Prescriptive Analysis software can be used on both Windows^® 7 and Windows^® 10. A summary report provides required and offered scantlings with graphic representation of deficiencies. Reports summarize dominant criteria for each structure as well as data for every parameter value. Used with CSR FE Analysis, this complete tool makes verifying CSR compliance possible with minimal effort. A new user interface for CSR FE Analysis software enables automatic picking or manual selection to display the stress readout point for Cruciform Flange, Cruciform Web and Bracket Toe hotspots. Results are added to verification results for Fatigue Assessment.

The software is now employed by over 1,600 users. Regular updates for additional structural coverage and functionality will address ongoing CSR changes.

Detailed information on structural areas and functionality covered by this release are found in the Release Notes and User Guide bundled with the software installation. The updated CSR Prescriptive Analysis and CSR FE Analysis is available for download from the Common Structural Rules Software LLC website at www.commonstructuralrulessoftware.com.

About ABS
ABS, a leading global provider of classification and technical advisory services to the marine and offshore industries, is committed to setting standards for safety and excellence in design and construction. The organization is focused on the practical application of advanced technologies and digital solutions in support of its safety mission.

About Lloyd's Register (LR) 
We started out in 1760 as a marine classification society. Today, we’re one of the world’s leading providers of professional services for engineering and technology – improving safety and increasing the performance of critical infrastructures for clients in over 75 countries worldwide. The profits we generate fund the Lloyd’s Register Foundation, a charity which supports science and engineering-related research, education and public engagement around everything we do. All of this helps us stand by the purpose that drives us every single day: Working together for a safer world.

In a world of increasing complexity – overloaded with data and opinion - we know that our clients need more than technology to succeed. They need an experienced hand. A partner to listen, cut through the noise and focus on what really matters to them and their customers. Our engineers and technical experts are dedicated to assurance. That means a commitment to embracing new technology, and a deep rooted desire to drive better performance. So we consider our customers’ needs with diligence and empathy, then use our expertise and over 250 years’ experience to deliver the smart solution for everyone.

After all, there are some things technology can’t replace.

About Common Structural Rules Software LLC (CSRS)
Common Structural Rules Software LLC (CSRS), a joint venture company established in 2011 by ABS and LR, provides industry with a validated and verified suite of software tools for CSR that meets industry concerns regarding the possibility of different interpretations of the CSR requirements.